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Had colonoscopy yesterday and worried

Hi,

I wonder if anyone could help? I've had rectal bleeding on and off (blood on the stool) for a number of years. I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy done 5 1/2 years ago which did not show anything other than small haemmoroids. I went to see the same consultant in March this year as the bleeding was still there. He did a rigid sigmoidoscopy and said that it was still the haemorroids causing the problem.

Yesterday I had a colonoscopy where a 12mm rectal polyp was removed. I don't have any details as to the type of polyp - I spoke to one of the nurses afterwards and she said the notes just had 'polyp removed' on. I'm really worried at the moment in case the polyp was malignant as I have to wait two weeks to see the consultant who did the colonoscopy.

HI.
Just to encourage you not to worry, best things on this journey only cross bridgs when you get to them, it might turn out to ok and if not. you will learn to deal with the news like thousands and thousands of others, and start another journey.
If you have faith ... Bible says 365 times ....FEAR NOT... thats one for each day of year... also Bible says ... IT COMES TO PASS... then God teaches .DO NOT WORRY.. as he is always with us.... then his word says CAST ALL YOUR CARE ON HIM.... so there are some great promises to encourage you and know also we are praying for you... keep us updated ...\
GOD BLESS YOU

Had colonoscopy yesterday and worried

Hey GSB,

I'd like to offer a different perspective. I look at this as really good news. You had a colonoscopy where a 12 mm polyp was removed. They found no obvious tumor, no blockage, no penetration of the colon wall... just a polyp. The polyp was roughly the size of your fingernail on your little finger. Even if you look at this as a worst case scenerio and it is cancer, this is a VERY early catch! Again, great news! This would probably be a stage 1 cancer. VERY treatable. Very CUREABLE!

You did the right thing. After all those years of worry about the bleeding, now you finally know and can start doing something about it. Sure, there may be a road bump or two but you will come out the other side stronger and wiser, ready to help others in your situation.

I remember the worry you are experiencing and it isn't fun but it will pass. Then, you will have a plan and you can get to work. Try not to worry about things you can't control. In the end, the only thing you can truly have control over is YOU. How you react to things. Your attitude. Your faith.

You can do this. Please let us know what you find out when you get your news. Please let us know what we can do to help you out.

The doctor that performed my colonoscopy actually made the preliminary diagnosis that I had colon cancer, but couldn't verify it without the pathology report. I have to believe that your doctor would have it least said something about possible cancer.

After six years of persistent rectal bleeding (first occurred in 2003), I had a colonoscopy in July 2009 and had a 12mm rectal polyp removed which turned out to be benign. I went to see my GP yesterday to see if I should have any follow up investigations as it's just turned four years since the colonoscopy (the consultant who did the colonoscopy also did a follow-up flexible sigmoidoscopy in September 2009).

My GP said that as the polyp was benign there's no need for a further follow-up. However, I've read some guidelines for follow ups after a polypectomy which say a colonoscopy should be carried out after three years for polyps that are 10mm or larger (I'm in the UK).

My GP didn't have a copy of the final discharge letter after the flexible sigmoidoscopy, so I managed to speak to the consultant's secretary who told me a follow-up was recommended in 3-4 years after the polyp removal - I'm currently waiting for my hospital appointment.

I am worried though that maybe I should have had the follow-up this time last year - is having waited another year (even though it's still in the 3-4 year period) going to make a big difference?

I thought someone was replying to an old thread and then I saw that you started the thread! Nice to see it all turned out benign.

I suppose the blunt truth is that worrying isn't going to change anything so just wait and see. In any case these follow up periods don't sound too precise so if it was me I would just go with the flow. Chances are it won't make a blind bit of difference.

Hi Nick - thanks for replying. Yes it was my old post from 2009. You're right that worrying won't change anything. The guidelines seem set with definite times for something to go ahead but in clinical application there seems to some variation in practice as clinical judgement comes into it. I read one study from Germany that suggested extending the three year follow up time for a colonoscopy to five years - so which do you go for with such a wide two year range?

Gsb,
Pleased to read the outcome.
I had no polyps, just one mass. Yet a long time friend of ours another Barry has had so many colonoscopies and according to Barry that have removed 17 polyps so far over a few years.
A benign diagnosis is as good as it gets.
I'm on a 2 yearly monitoring programme, that last colonoscopy was clear.
I hope to keep it this way.
Best of luck
Barry

Gsb,
One learns rapidly that missing scheduled appointments for monitoring isn't a good thing.
Here in the UK, unless you have a darn good reason for not attending a appointment, they drop you to the bottom of the list.
Best of,Ick
Barry